World Book Fair 2026: Military-themed pavilion showcases India’s armed forces legacy; VR experience thrills visitors

NEW DELHI: A thematic pavilion showcasing India’s military history has emerged as one of the key attractions at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026. It offers visitors a curated look at the armed forces’ legacy through books, visual displays and immersive technology.Set up at Bharat Mandapam, where the fair is being held from January 10 to 18, the pavilion follows the fair’s central theme, “Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75.” It traces major milestones in India’s military journey since Independence, from the 1947–48 war to Operation Sindoor in 2025, through large wall panels, archival material and interactive exhibits.Visitors enter the pavilion through a heritage-style red-and-white gateway modelled on the Chetwode Building of the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. At the other end, a large bookshelf inspired by the Sudan Block of the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla anchors the space. The shelves carry a range of books on military history, India’s role in the two World Wars, the Navy and aircraft carriers, the 1971 India-Pakistan war and contemporary strategic affairs.A staff member at the pavilion said many visitors stop to read and spend time in the space. “People have appreciated this pavilion a lot.

Many come, pick a book off the shelf, and sit in front of the Sudan Block replica, to immerse themselves in the moment. A stage area in the middle of the pavilion hosts talks by authors and military researchers,” he said.The pavilion features a collage of archival newspaper clippings highlighting events such as the Hyderabad police action of 1948, the 1971 war, the 1999 Kargil conflict and recent military operations, including Operation Sindoor.

A separate wall panel documents the role of women in the Indian armed forces.One section brings together verses and excerpts from ancient Indian texts, including the Yajurveda, Dhanurveda, Arthashastra, Bhagavad Gita and Nitisara, focusing on themes of duty, sacrifice and warfare. These are displayed digitally on a series of screens, accompanied by explanatory panels outlining their philosophical context.Near the main entrance, a model of the Arjun main battle tank has been placed against a backdrop inspired by the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, bearing the slogan “Serve With Honour.” Nearby displays represent key naval and air force platforms, including a depiction of the Indian Naval Academy at INS Ezhimala and a fighter aircraft model, which has become a popular photo stop for visitors.A dedicated gallery honours all 21 recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award.

In front of it, a sculptural installation commemorates India’s victory in the Kargil war.Another large panel titled “Saga of Valour” maps the armed forces’ journey through major conflicts since Independence, including the wars of 1947–48, 1965 and 1971. A digital screen alongside plays a rotating montage of images, including visuals from the tri-services press briefing on Operation Sindoor held last May.Adding an interactive element, the pavilion includes virtual reality kiosks that allow visitors to experience a simulated walk onboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, as well as a cockpit-like experience of an Indian Air Force aircraft.

Staff members said the VR section has drawn steady interest, particularly from children.The World Book Fair this year also marks 150 years of Vande Mataram and the birth anniversary year of freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Organisers observed that the military history pavilion has stood out for drawing readers, history enthusiasts and families alike over the past several days.